Dear readers,
When I was very young, I discovered the joy of reading and became captivated by ancient myths and legends. I would spend hours immersed in the tales of bygone civilisations, imagining that I was experiencing them firsthand, walking among their magnificent temples and bowing to their gods.
I was particularly fascinated by the legend of Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god, and his magical powers, drawing me deeper into a world of myth and mystery and igniting my imagination.
The Feathered Serpent God
Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god, is one of the most important deities in Mesoamerican mythology, particularly among the Aztecs, Toltecs, and Mayas (where he was known as Kukulkán). In all these ancient cultures, he symbolises rebirth and wisdom, credited with having taught humans agriculture, writing, astronomy, and crafts, as well as the calendar, medicine, and the arts.
Quetzalcoatl was also regarded as the god of Venus, the morning star, and the ancient priests performed intricate celestial calculations while worshipping him, demonstrating their exceptional understanding of cosmic patterns.
As one of the most important gods, revered for his connection between the Earth and the heavens, they built impressively aligned monuments in his honour. In the Mayan city of Chichén Itzá, the Kukulkán Pyramid is known for its incredible equinox alignment. During this event, a crawling shadow recreates the image of a serpent descending the steps. And in Teotihuacán, the Quetzalcoatl Pyramid aligns with the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, following the pattern of Orion’s Belt.
Following my dreams
Later in my life, I had the privilege of visiting these magical sites, which filled me with profound emotions. Standing before the Kukulkán Pyramid, I was awestruck by its imposing beauty and magnetic energy. I imagined climbing its ninety-one steps on each of its four sides, yearning to conquer its summit. Although climbing the monuments at Chichén Itzá has now been restricted, fortunately, I was able to do so at Teotihuacán.
With a mix of nervousness and exhilaration, I summoned the courage to tackle the impossibly steep steps of the Quetzalcoatl pyramid at Teotihuacán. I knew once I started, there would be no way back, so with a deep breath, I ran towards the steps and started climbing as fast as I could. I felt time slowing down as I tried to hurry. When I finally glimpsed at the top edge and the blue sky, I felt a strong force that seemed to lift me and help me stand at the summit. I had made it.
Standing on the pyramid’s flat top, I couldn’t see the steps leading down from any direction, giving me the impression that I was gently floating on a magic carpet. As I looked around, it felt like I was dreaming. Dozens of smaller pyramids surrounded the main one, their golden silhouettes shimmering through the steamy air rising from the hot ground below, creating the illusion of a mirage. I was mesmerised by this otherworldly, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
As if that wasn’t enough, I soon discovered the temple behind the pyramid, an intricate stone monument decorated with rows of feathered serpent heads and other intertwining creatures. The temple featured detailed stone carvings and symbolic motifs, with each step showcasing the long, undulating bodies of feathered serpents. The more I observed, the more details I uncovered, marvelling at the engineering prowess of these ancient civilisations and their deep connection to the cosmos.
From imagination to creation
It’s no surprise, then, that my fascination with the legends of ancient cultures, where earthly and cosmic knowledge are intertwined, profoundly influenced the writing of “The Space Traveller’s Lover”
In this, my debut science fiction novel, I employ vivid descriptions of alien landscapes and futuristic technologies to explore some of the greatest mysteries of our time through thought-provoking ideas. Are we alone in the Universe? Did aliens visit us in the past? What is the meaning of life? Can we ultimately control any technology using our brains? Can we live forever while travelling to any part of the Universe? Can we harness an infinite source of energy?
The Universe is vast, and so are our quests for answers …
https://www.omarawilliamsbooks.com
